5. Print Awareness: noticing print everywhere; knowing how to handle a book and follow the words across a page

6. Letter Knowledge: knowing that letters are different from each other and that they have different names and sounds

************HELP YOUR CHILD GROW UP READING

--Make big letters out of yarn, tape, twigs or sticks. Make edible letters out of cooked spaghetti, pancake batter or cookie dough!
--Don't just read books, read everything! Road signs, cereal boxes, grocery lists and more! It's all an opportunity to learn.
--Create a special reading spot in your home with a kid-friendly bookshelf or book basket nearby.
--Give books as rewards for a job well done instead of candy or toys.
--Give books as gifts, and encourage friends and relatives to do the same.
--Incorporate rhyming into your daily routine: "Look at the cat! He's on the mat!" Incorporate alliteration: green grass, tall trees, etc.
--Make an "I Spy" style game to teach direction and position: "I spy something red next to the chair."
--Try "Simon Says" for listening skills and following directions.
--Active listeners can recall and retell a story. After reading, talk with your child about what happened, and the order of the story.
--Visit your library regularly (of course!).

********CHECK OUT OUR SPINES!

Looking for picture books that explore learning concepts? Westlake Porter Library has several spine labels to help your search!

Look for a red ABC sticker on books that teach letters and/or the alphabet.

Look for yellow 123 stickers on books that teach number concepts.

Look for intertwined circles in red, yellow and blue on books that explore colors.

Look for a yellow label with a circle, triangle and square on books that explore shapes.

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Check out Tumblebooks, e-books for kids!

TumbleBooks are now available on FunStation PCs in the Youth Services area and at home! Have fun with reading in a whole new way!